Rico aims for final glory

Lee Richardson completes the official Lakeside Hammers season when he aims to end on a high with the Elite league Riders championship at Swindon on Saturday.

He aims to put a nightmare night at Belle Vue behind him, when he failed to finish all four of his rides and end the season with some silverware for home fans to cheer.

Hammers co-promoter Jon Cook commented “Lee should have a great chance at Swindon and what better way to end the season. Wednesday was a huge disappointment for Lee and he has a chance to make amends”.

Regarding Wednesday, Cook added “it was a tough night for both teams on the wettest track I think I have ever seen a meeting start on, so credit to all concerned and good luck to the Aces in the final.

Once again the home leg killed our chances and that’s an area we have to improve next season. It was a shame to end the season in that way but Kims performance was absolutely stunning, and the long drive home was made more enjoyable with thoughts of just what he and Robert will achieve in years ahead for the Hammers.  If for that reason alone, I head into the winter feeling that this has been one of the most significant seasons we have had at the Raceway”

Fans are reminded that the last chance to see the 2011 Hammers will be on Friday 28th at the Raceway tavern. This years event will follow a slightly different formula with a fans forum kicking off the night at 7pm when Lee Richardson, Neil Vatcher and Jon Cook will be on hand to answer questions about the season. That will be followed by the more traditional evening of presentations and rider speakers as well as light bites and music.

Ticket numbers are limited and are available for just £20 from the speedway office and via the online store on The Hammers homepage.   The Hammer of the year will also be announced, and fans are reminded to vote for their favourite rider via the online poll, which can be launched here: http://tinyurl.com/6bn3pf4  Voting will close at midnight on Thursday 27th October.

A full review of the year from the clubs management will appear in a special Hammerszine at the end of next week.

Picture: Lee Richardson of Lakeside Hammers – Lakeside Hammers vs Eastbourne Eagles, Elite League Speedway play-off semi-final at the Arena Essex Raceway, Purfleet – 19/09/11 – CREDIT: Rob Newell/TGSPHOTO